Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), Theology and Religious Studies, University of Surrey (1999-2003)

I began a joint degree (in Classical Studies and Theology and Religious Studies) at St. Mary’s College, Twickenham however the Classics Department was shuttered in 2001. I did a variety of courses focusing on world religions and Catholic Theology. In my final year I finished a dissertation discussing Wicca as a new religious movement, successfully completing my degree with a 2:1 BA (Hons.).

My areas of interest during study were world religions, new religious movements, groups and cults, modern Wicca and neopaganism.

NCTJ Pre-Entry Certificate: Newspapers, Harlow College (2005)

I did a six month course designed to prepare me for work as a newspaper journalist, learning how to write for broadsheets and tabloids alike. The course also involved a detailed curriculum in Public Affairs (essentially looking at the construction of the government and the English legal system) as well as a course in Teeline shorthand.

During this time, I also did several placements, including the Eastern Daily Press, the Norwich Evening News, the Cambridge Evening News and the Harlow Star.

After completion of the course, I began nearly over a decade working as a freelance journalist, specialising in Japan, anime and manga, technology and computer games.

NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Creative Craft: Digital Imaging (2009-10)

A year long course in digital photography, composition and photography techniques.

PTLLS, City College, Norwich (2013)

I did a six month course preparing me to teach in the ‘lifelong learning’ sector (aka adult education) which covered everything from styles of teaching to lesson planning and marking.

Access to Higher Education: Creative Writing, City College, Norwich (2014)

This course taught an in-depth syllabus of thirteen units covering writing for various media and formats, including basic bookbinding. I gained nine distinctions across the twelve taught units.

Master of Arts, Classical Studies, Open University (2019-2021)

I began my studies in September 2019 and graduated in September 2021, upon completion of my dissertation, which is entitled: ‘Mythological Apotheosis: An Examination into the Transformation of Greek Mythology, through the ‘Magical Girl’ Genre of Japanese Manga and Anime, and its Adaption for Consumption by Modern Audiences.’

If you’re interested in reading my dissertation, please contact me using the email link above or download it from my ResearchGate page.

Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Japanese Studies, University of East Anglia (2021-2023)

I began studying at the UEA in September 2021 and completed my MA in September 2023.

My areas of academic interest are Shinto in video games, the filmography of Shinkai Makoto (specifically the intersection between Shinto and nature as a central character within the narrative), Japanese horror films and religion and belief in Japanese survival horror games.

If you’re interested in reading my dissertation, please contact me using the email link above or download it from my ResearchGate page.